Osteoporosis


Found in both men and women, Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become weak and brittle. Osteoporosis is developed when the creation of new bone in the body can not keep up with or exceed the removal of old bone.


Symptoms include: 


Osteoporosis does not have any noticeable symptoms. Sometimes referred to as the "silent disease" it is usually discovered after a break in a bone that happened easier than expected, low back pain, stoop posture, and loss of height over time. 


Disease and Conditions 


Research at Bandera Family Health Care is involved with many studies that are being conducted on a wide range of diseases and conditions. Below is a short description of each disease and the symptoms that are typically associated with each.

Asthma 


​A chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. This can result in wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing. 


Symptoms of Asthma include: 


  • Coughing
  • Wheezing
  • Tightness of Chest
  • Shortness of Breath

Diabetes 


Diabetes is a lifelong (chronic) disease where there is a high level of sugar in the blood. 


  • Type 1: Can occur at any age, however is is typically diagnosed in children, teens, and young adults. Insulin injections are needed with Type 1 Diabetes.  


  • Type 2: Often referred to as adult onset diabetes, Type 2 diabetes is insulin resistant. 


Symptoms of Diabetes include: 


  • Blurry Vision 
  • Excess Thirst 
  • Fatigue
  • Hunger
  • Urinating Often
  • Weight Loss

Hypertension


More commonly known as High Blood Pressure, Hypertension can lead to serious cardiac diseases. When the blood pressure is constantly elevated it can damage the body in several ways, one being the cardiopulmonary system. 


Symptoms: 


  • Hypertension is dangerous because it often presents no sign or symptoms. 

Otitis Media 


Simply stated, Otitis Media is more commonly known as an ear infection. There are three known classifications of Otitis Media which are listed below: 


Acute Otitis Media (AOM)


AOM is typically very painful infection that can be easily treated by antibiotic medications.


Symptoms:


  • Pain and redness of the eardrum 
  • Pus in the ear 
  • Fever 

 

Otitis Media with effusion (OME)


OME is a build up of fluid in the middle ear. More common than AOM, OME can be a result of allergies, upper respiratory infections, or exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke.


Symptoms: 


  • This build up of fluid often goes unnoticed with no sign or symptoms of an acute infection. 


  • Typically causes little to no pain, and has the possibility of resolving itself. 


Otitis Externa 


Also known as "Swimmer's Ear" is an infection of the ear and/or outer ear canal. 


Symptoms: 


  • Can cause the ear to itch
  • Look red and inflamed 
  • Touching or applying pressure causes much pain.